Hawkes Bay RI 20 July 2023 – R4 – Jasmine Fawcett

FACTS:

After confirming she admitted a breach of the Rule, the films of the incident were shown and commented on.

Having drawn the outside gate, Jockey J Fawcett hurried her mount across the moment the gate opened, causing Jockey K Hercock to take hold, resulting in her mount SUN AND HEIR to be checked.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward N Goodwin informed the Adjudicative Committee that it was the RIB’s belief  that the interference caused was at the lower end of the scale, and Miss Fawcett did attempt to relieve the pressure once she got across.

Jockey J Fawcett informed the Adjudicative Committee that her mount was having its first start and was racing greenly in coming across. When Jockey K Hercock called, she immediately eased her mount. She believed the incident was minor.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Stipendiary Steward N Goodwin said although the breach was at the lower end, this was Jockey J Fawcett’s 6th breach this year and her record was not good. Her record showed a 7 day suspension at Auckland in January, followed by 27/1/23 – 7 days at Otago,11/2/23 – 7 days at Riccarton and 2 suspensions occurring at Trentham on 18/3/23, resulting in suspensions totalling 21 days, plus fines.

He added that after the suspensions at Trentham, she had undertaken a racing redirection programme. Since then, she has had 147 rides and has not been charged under this Rule, which was to her credit.

Jockey J Fawcett felt that because the breach was minor, any penalty should reflect that.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

While concurring the breach was at the lower end, it was Jockey J Fawcett’s record that was of concern. She is a busy Rider, sought after in both Islands. To her credit, undertaking a remedial riding course has helped her riding in the last few months. It is over to her to ensure that this continues.

The Adjudicative Committee, because of her record, used a starting point of an 8 day suspension. A strong submission from Miss Fawcett pointing out her good record since her undertaking the remedial riding course, and that it should be reflected in the penalty, was convincing, and a 1 day reduction was accorded.

CONCLUSION:

A 7 day suspension was imposed, beginning after the completion of a suspension for a Rule breach already imposed.

The days being, Saturday 5th until Friday 18th August 2023 inclusive – period of 7 days.